On March 13, 2025, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks showcased their pitching prowess against the Yomiuri Giants, securing a decisive 5-0 victory at Mizuho PayPay Dome. This preseason game was significant, particularly for SoftBank's pitcher Yuto Ito, who faced his former team for the first time after transferring as compensation for Kanno Takumi.
Starting for the Hawks, Ito delivered an impressive performance, pitching 4 and 2/3 innings. He allowed just one hit and no runs, effectively shutting down the Giants' lineup. "The sharpness of Ito's fastball and the control of his breaking balls troubled us," remarked Giants' pitcher Yamazaki Iori after the game, reflecting on the challenges his team faced. Ito threw 69 pitches to 17 batters, achieving one strikeout, two walks, and limiting the opposition's chances with impressive command.
This game marked Ito’s first official start for SoftBank after spending last season with the Giants, where he had distinguished himself as a reliable option, posting a 0.90 ERA. His performance on March 13 seemed to validate the Hawks' decision to bring him aboard, especially considering their competitive rotation battle. The Hawks entered the game with their starting rotation nearly solidified, featuring well-known pitchers like Ariga Kohei and Revan Montero. This left Ito competing for one of the last spots amid strong contenders such as Higashihama Kyoda and Maeda Jun.
Reflecting on his outing, Ito stated, "This was the most pitches I’ve thrown since I turned pro. I felt like I was a bit worn out at the end, and I want to improve on this for my next start." His commitment to development exemplifies the drive he has to secure his place on the roster and contribute significantly to the Hawks’ success.
The game wasn't just about Ito; the performance of SoftBank's hitters was also noteworthy. They capitalized on the Giants' pitching, earning runs and ensuring the shutout win. The Hawks' offense supported their pitching staff, leading to the Giants experiencing their first shutout loss of the season.
Maeda Jun, who had pitched earlier against the Giants on March 11, had impressed with six innings pitched without allowing any runs. His coach, Kobayashi Hiroki, claimed, "The pitching was effective, even taking the Giants' main lineup's absence from consideration," reinforcing the positive outlook for SoftBank's pitching staff heading toward the upcoming season.
The Hawks will likely continue refining their roster over the next few games as they finalize their starting rotation. Ito’s performance will be key as he aims to establish himself within the team's lineup and help lead SoftBank to victories as they enter regular season play.
Overall, the March 13 game not only allowed Ito Yuto to shine but also demonstrated the depth and potential of the entire SoftBank Hawks roster. With more games on the horizon, the pressure is on for both pitchers and hitters alike to perform well and secure their positions before the season officially kicks off.